Working on my 57 300 custom

[Jeff Norwell]

A Texas born Dallas plant car... I been picking away since October.
Last on the road in 1971.
When I started and up until now.... Using a 1960 352 Interceptor engine.
Since FE's came about in 58, it's a natural fit.


When I started......

 

[Jeff Norwell]

and where I am at now....

 

[KULTULZ]

Were you lucky enough to find an early 352 w solids and baldy rocker covers?

Is that an ALUM INTAKE I see?

 

[Jeff Norwell]

Yes,.I picked up a HiPo 60 intake along the way.
The floors have all been replaced with EMS panels, rebuilt the complete front end with NOS parts from pre-60's vintage parts.Used a big sway bar from SW T-Birds and such.
replaced the rear factory springs with the optional HD spring package and HD shocks.
Also running a 4 speed Toploader hooked up to be shifted on the column.

This poor Custom was really abused as a nothing car in its prior life.

 

[KULTULZ]

Yes,.I picked up a HiPo 60 intake along the way.

​

You know something Jeff? You have your stuff in a neat pile. Why 4/S on the column?

Please keep the board informed.

OLD TIMES hot rod build. No CHEV and no COYOTE. Love it!

 

[Jeff Norwell]

Well,... the 4 speed thing...
I had a good line on a R-11, but the cost of shipping was just too..... prohibitive.
A very good friend here mentioned how he did a 4 speed on the column.. it intrigued me.... and then while researching into Hurst products... Hurst dropped Toploader stuff a while back.... and if I did gather the parts for a Hurst... it was adding up to well over $1500.

Through the guidance of my pal from Mass., I put the 4 speed on the column less than $200 using all Ford Parts.I never thought it would work. and my Pal from Mass. proved me dang wrong.
I am trying to use ONLY FOMOCO parts....... The Great Karol Miller fuels my dreams..... a real genius in my mind.
Trying to keep everything below the 1965-66 line.

 

[Jeff Norwell]

I really don't consider this to be a Hot Rod,.... just a modified production car from possibly the Ford test grounds.....Using as Much FOCOMO as possible.

 

[KULTULZ]

I used the wrong terminology. What I meant was how it was done back in the day without using high dollar speed parts (if they were available).

I agree on the FE as I was never a big FYB fan. The first thing done back then was hitting a junkyard and finding a 352/390.

I am just amazed at what can be done with a FYB now as back then they were shunned as the SBC mostly ruled the streets.

I have a complete F/4/S takeout with factory issued HURST shifter from a 1973 351CJ.

 

[Jeff Norwell]

I agree.
I have 2 FYB's... a 292 with 57 ECZ-G's heads and a 57 312... both need full rebuilds.
I stumbled upon the 352 locally, a gentleman had it in his project, but passed away and the price was right.
Building the Y-Blocks at this time is just too cost prohibitive.Possibly down the road.

I just have a great love for the 1957 Ford..... and the custom and Custom 300's are my fav.(its a family history thing.)

I have another 57 custom, with a 428-4 speed stick.. but I did not post due to it might add confusion.It too was using mostly all Ford parts.

Yes.. I have researched the gentleman Karol Miller and he uses all Ford as much as possible..I believe he is living still in Texas and creating.
Quite the man.

On this car now.. I am in the wiring stage, and assembling the front sheetmetal.

 

[56sedandelivery]

Speedway still list the Hurst shifter for the toploader. Not cheap tho.

 

[Jeff Norwell]

Just assembling the trim for install as well.

 

[5851a]

Nice, I always liked Customs, that side trim would be hard to find today.

 

[KULTULZ]

Jeff,

Can you do me a favor when assembling?

On another forum there came to attention that the HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES are the same left to right. But they are obviously different and even the MPC calls for L&R being the same PN. Once the buckets are installed can you take photos?

It would end a lot uncertainty.

Is that a commercial shop or your own private shop?

 

[KULTULZ]

Another episode of short eyeballs ...

Using a 1960 352 Interceptor engine. Since FE's came about in 58 ...

Somehow ... ... I mis-read thinking it was a 58 INTERCEPTOR engine. It is actually a 60 352 4V? It is not a 360HP is it?

 

[Jeff Norwell]

Jeff,

Can you do me a favor when assembling?

On another forum there came to attention that the HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES are the same left to right. But they are obviously different and even the MPC calls for L&R being the same PN. Once the buckets are installed can you take photos?

It would end a lot uncertainty.

Is that a commercial shop or your own private shop?

Absolutely... should be in the next few months....
and no... its not the famed 352/360 HP version..... but I am collecting parts to build that engine.
BTW.. if anyone has a 1960 HiPo air cleaner..I am super interested.
just DM me.


No pro shop,... just my place in the middle of nowhere.

 

[Jeff Norwell]

I would like to mention.I am 57 Ford crazy... I have a very deep love for ALL Fords.... from the teens to the early 70's....
The 57 year model is my absolute #1 fave.
I think I mentioned,... we have had them in our family...My father dated my mother in a 57 meteor Custom.

anyhow. this is my other custom... 428-4 speed car
presently in the body shop.. coming home soon... Black.

 

[1930artdeco]

Jeff, welcome to the Barn and glad you made the trip over from the HAMB. Cars are looking good.

Mike

 

[cousinjd]

If my memory serves me, I remember working on a mid 60s early 70s econoline with 6 cyl and 4 speed shift on tree. Just a memory jog from your post. Jim

 

[KULTULZ]

I just have a great love for the 1957 Ford..... and the custom and Custom 300's are my fav.

I have another 57 custom, with a 428-4 speed stick.. but I did not post due to it might add confusion.It too was using mostly all Ford parts.

I understand the CUSTOM, shorter and lighter not to mention sedan body strength.

That is an early FE 3X2 on CJ heads?

 

[Jeff Norwell]

Jeff, welcome to the Barn and glad you made the trip over from the HAMB. Cars are looking good.

Mike

Thanks Mike!